Thursday, January 22, 2009

History Buff

I know I lag behind when it comes to the movies or television shows REALLY worth watching, but I just finished watching the seven-part HBO series of "John Adams", and I am changed. I rented all three discs and watched in the comfort of my warm home and recliner, but the effects of this wonderful dramatization haunt me, with pride and with regret. Thank heavens we had men like John Adams to stand up for freedom, to sacrifice so dearly, to never give up even when it would have been easier to go back to his farm and his family. I regret that John Adams has not been more fairly judged--why don't we have his image on any of our coins or paper money? Why is his name skimmed over when we honor the rest of the noble men of the Continental Congress, like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington? It is said that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the "pen and the voice" of the Declaration of Independence. Why have I never heard that phrase before? I was aware of John and Abigail's great love for each other before watching this series, but could not have imagined how closely they confided together as true partners. I applaud David McCullough for writing such an amazing account of an amazing man in our country's history. It was made even more pronounced to me as I watched our modern-day inauguration last Tuesday of President Barack Obama. Everything in our nation's history--the fight for independence, the pursuit of religious freedom, the emancipation from slavery, the declaration of unalienable rights--all show God's hand in preparing this land for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the reign of His Son someday upon the earth again. God bless men and women like John and Abigail Adams, and may we never forget their legacy.

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2 comments:

Cindy said...

Lisa!! I LOVED this series too!! Marvelous!! Years ago I read a book about those two...Marriage to A Difficult Man, by???? (cant remember) Very enlightening!! This should be required viewing for every high schooler in America!!

Anonymous said...

I read the David McCullough book a couple or so years ago, but I haven't seen the series. The book was fascinating. It made me realize that it is truly a miracle that the USA even exists. (Oh, and have you read the Irving Stone book about John and Abigail?)